Alkali metal aluminum phosphate emulsifier composition and its preparation

ABSTRACT

AN ALKALI METAL ALUMINUM PHOSPHATE COMPOSITION IS DESCRIBED HAVING AN EMPIRICAL FORMULA XM2O.YAL2O3.8P2O5.ZH2O WHEREIN M IS ALKALI METAL, X IS A NUMBER BETWEEN 5 AND 30 INCLUSIVE, Y IS A NUMBER BETWEEN 4.7 AND 15 INCLUSIVE, AND Z IS A NUMBER BETWEEN 0 AND 50 INCLUSIVE, SAID COMPOSITION FURTHER CHARACTERIZED BY HAVING A SOLUBLE FRACTION OF GREATER THAN ABOUT 35 WEIGHT PERCENT OF SAID COMPOSITION AND SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF DIALKALI METAL ORTHOPHOSPHATES, TRIALKALI METAL ORTHOPHOSPHATES, AND MIXTURES THEREOF AND BY THE PH OF A 2 WEIGHT PERCENT AQUEOUS SLURRY OF SAID COMPOSITION AT ABOUT 25*C. BEING BETWEEN 7 AND 10, AS WELL AS A PROCESS FOR PREPARING THE SAME. THE ALKALI METAL ALUMINUM PHOSPHATE COMPOSITION IS USEFUL AS A CHEESE EMULSIFIER IN PROCESS CHEESE COMPOSITIONS.

United States Patent 3,554,921 ALKALI METAL ALUMINUM PHOSPHATE EMULSIFIER COMPOSITION AND ITS PREPARATION Thomas P. Kichline, Chesterfield, Mo., and Norman Earl Stahlheber, Columbia, and James L. Vetter, Des Plaines, Ill., assignors to Monsanto Company, a corporation of Delaware No Drawing. Original application Oct. 24, 1963, Ser. No. 318,509, now Patent No. 3,337,347, dated Aug. 22, 1967. Divided and this application Apr. 18, 1967, Ser. No. 645,084

Int. Cl. B01f 17/14; C01b 25/30; A23c 19/00 US. Cl. 252-351 13 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An alkali metal aluminum phosphate composition is described having an empirical formula wherein M is alkali metal, x is a number between and 30 inclusive, y is a number between 4.7 and inclusive, and z is a number between 0 and 50 inclusive, said composition further characterized by having a soluble fraction of greater than about 35 Weight percent of said composition and selected from the group consisting of dialkali metal orthophosphates, trialkali metal orthophosphates, and mixtures thereof and by the pH of a 2 weight percent aqueous slurry of said composition at about 25 C. being between 7 and 10, as well as a process for preparing the same. The alkali metal aluminum phosphate composition is useful as a cheese emulsifier in process cheese compositions.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 318,509, filed Oct. 24, 1963, now US. Pat. No. 3,337,347.

This invention relates to compositions which are useful as cheese emulsifiers, and to processes for preparing the same. More particularly, this invention relates to alkali metal aluminum phosphate compositions of relatively high aluminum content.

Many phosphate materials are known as cheese emulsifiers for process cheese, such as disodium orthophosphate, trisodium orthophosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and the like. However, these materials all have serious limitations as cheese emulsifiers and therefore are not used to the extent desired for cheese emulsification. For example, disodium orthophosphate is generally satisfactory as a cheese emulsifier below about 1.6% (based on the total weight of cheese) but when used in greater amounts crystals of disodium orthophosphate usually form which is, of course, highly objectionable. Recently, crystalline sodium aluminum phosphate have been suggested as being useful for cheese emulsification (U.S. Patent 3,097,949) with the particular advantage of not having the tendency to crystallize when used in levels up to about 3%. These phosphate materials are, in general, low in aluminum content and have the empirical formula xNa O yAl O 81 0 -zH O with x being a number integer between 6 and 15, y a number between 1.5 and 4.5, and z a number between 4 and 40. Additionally, these materials are comprised of an insoluble aluminum-containing phosphate material and a soluble sodium phosphate material. As disclosed, the sodium aluminum phosphate materials having the highest "ice aluminum content will normally produce the highest ratios of insoluble material to soluble material (up to about 2:1). This is, of course, in accordance with the findings that the soluble fraction is composed of an intimate mixture of two or more sodium orthophosphate, while the insoluble fraction is the aluminum-containing fraction.

It has now been found in accordance with the present invention that an entirely new and distinct class of alkali metal aluminum phosphate compositions of relatively high aluminum content can be prepared. A highly unexpected and surprising characteristic of these compositions is that although relatively high in aluminum content they have a relatively high ratio of soluble fractions to insoluble fractions. In fact, the ratio of soluble fractions to insoluble fractions is at least equal to and in most cases higher than ratio of soluble fractions to insoluble fractions of the sodium aluminum phosphate materials of relatively low aluminum content as previously described. These new phosphate compositions of relatively high aluminum content have for use as cheese emulsifiers the recognized advantages of the sodium aluminum phosphates as previously described and in addition impart other useful and highly beneficial properties to the cheese, all of which will be more fully discussed hereinafter.

The alkali metal aluminum phosphate compositions of the present invention can be characterized by the following empirical formula wherein M represents alkali metal, x is a number between 5 and 30 inclusive, y is a number between 4.7 and 15.0 inclusive, and z is a number between 0 and inclusive. Especially preferred are those compositions wherein x is a number between 10 and 20 inclusive, y is a number between 4.7 and 10 inclusive, and z is a number between 15 and 30 inclusive. In addition, the preferred compositions are substantially amorphous, i.e., an X-ray pattern exhibits no characteristic lines and if lines are present they are usually those characteristic for dialkali metal orthophosphate, and/or alkali metal orthophosphate. It should be noted, however, that these compositions can be formed in the crystalline state and although the crystalline forms are useful as cheese emulsifiers they do not appear, in general, to exhibit the advantageous properties as cheese emulsifiers that the amorphous forms of the compositions exhibit. In addition, the water as indicated in the foregoing formula should not necessarily be taken as representing water of crystallization since thermal gravimetric analysis indicates that the water is lost gradually when the compositions are heated to temperatures between about 80 C. and about 500 C. and there is usually no clearly defined break such as would be present in the case of free water or a crystalline hydrate. Further, these alkali metal aluminum phosphate compositions are alkaline in nature in that the pH of a 2% by weight aqueous slurry at about 25 C. is between about 7 and about 10. Additionally, the insoluble fraction, i.e., the residue remaining from a 5% aqueous slurry of the alkali metal aluminum phosphate compositions at about 25 C. after the slurry has been agitated for about 10 minutes and filtered through a No. 2 filter paper, is usually less than about weight percent of the alkali metal aluminum phosphate compositions and preferably is less than about 50 weight percent, although the insoluble fraction is rarely, if ever, less than about 5 weight percent. Thus, the soluble fraction contained in the alkali metal aluminum phosphate compositions are greater than about weight percent of the alkali metal phosphate compositions and preferably greater than about 50 weight percent, although the soluble fraction is rarely, if ever, greater than about 95 weight percent. The alkali metal aluminum phosphate compositions which make up the insoluble fraction can be characterized by the following empirical formula wherein M represents alkali metal, a is a number between 0.5 and 5 inclusive, b is a number between 0.5 and 2.4 inclusive, and c is a number between 0 and inclusive.

Although all of the alkali metal aluminum phosphate compositions of the present invention are, in general, suitable for use as cheese emulsifiers, such as the lithium-, sodium-, potassium-, and cesium aluminum phosphates and also the ammonium aluminum phosphates, as well as the mixed alkali metal aluminum phosphates, it is preferred that the alkali metal be sodium, potassium, ammonium and mixtures of these with sodium being especially preferred. Ammonia is included herein as an alkali metal in view of the fact that the ammonium aluminum phosphates exhibit substantially the same chemical properties as the alkali metal aluminum phosphates, such as the sodium aluminum phosphates and the potassium aluminum phosphates.

Compositions of the present invention can be prepared in many different ways, however a preferred method for producing the compositions, in general, comprises reacting an alkali metal material, an aluminum containing material, and a phosphorus containing material. In particular, the alkali metal materials which are suitable include the alkali metal oxides, the alkali metal hydroxides,

and the alkali metal orthophosphates, such as the monoalkali metal-, dialkali metal-, and the trialkali metal-orthophosphates, including mixtures thereof. In addition, the aluminum containing materials which ahe suitable include aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, and the alkali metal aluminates including mixtures thereof. Further, the phosphorus containing materials include the alkali metal orthophosphates and orthophosphoric acid including mixtures thereof. When orthophosphoric acid is used, it is preferably concentrated, i.e., containing above about H PO by weight. In general, the reactants are admixed in any order and, if necessary, water is added in sufi'icient amounts to provide a suitable reaction medium with the reaction preferably conducted under agitation. The reaction is usually exothermic and the temperature, depending upon the amount of water used, if any, reactants used and the like, can reach as high as about C. to about 120 C., although it is generally preferred to keep the temperature below about 100 C. Again, depend ing upon the reactants and the reacting conditions used, an amount of water can be added which will give, because the reaction is exothermic, a relatively dry, pulverulent reaction product. In cases where excess water is used, the reaction products can usually be dried to a dry, particulate state by various means in order to remove the water, such as by drum drying. While it is preferred that suificient water be present to give a slurry concentration of at least about solids by weight, it is rarely necessary, if ever, to use a slurry concentration of less than about 20% solids by weight. The amounts of alkali metal materials, aluminum containing materials, and the phosphorus containing materials are selected in such a manner as will give the desired amounts of alkali metal, aluminum, and phosphorus in the reaction product. The preferred reactants for reparing the alkali metal aluminum phosphate composition of the present invention are the alkali metal orthophosphates and the alkali metal aluminates, with the monoalkali metal orthophosphates being especially preferred.

As previously mentioned, the alkali metal aluminum phosphate compositions of the present invention, although of relatively high aluminum content, have a relatively high ratio of soluble fraction to insoluble fraction. This soluble fraction, comprised of dialkali metal orthophosphates, trialkali metal orthophosphates, and mixtures of t ese, is, in fact, at least equal to and in most cases greater than the soluble fraction found in sodium aluminum phosphates of low aluminum content. This is, of course, totally unexpected in view of the fact that the insoluble fraction is the aluminum containing phosphate composition. For example, a sodium aluminum phosphate material of low aluminum content and having an empirical formula as disclosed in US. Pat. 3,097,949 was compared as to the soluble fraction content therein with representative sodium aluminum phosphates of the present invention. The comparison was made on equal weight samples by water extraction with the extraction carried out at room temperature, i.e., about 25 C., in a 5% slurry of the sodium aluminum phosphate material and water after being agitated for 10 minutes and filtered through a No. 2 filter paper. The solution was analyzed for sodium and phosphorus concentration, and the filtrate residue was analyzed for sodium, aluminum and phosphorus. The following are the results of the comparison on a weight percentage basis:

TABLE 1 N320 A1203 P305 (percent) (percent) (percent) Solium aluminum phosphate composition:

1 39. 2 l3. 8 47. 2 36. t 17. 5 4b. 4. 33. 3 23. 4 43. 5 30. 2 24. 5 45. 3

1 Weight percent of anhydrous disodium orthophosphate.

From the above table it can be observed that the compositions representative of the sodium aluminum phosphates of the present invention (designated as 2, 3 and 4) exhibited a much higher ratio of soluble fraction to insoluble fraction than the composition of relatively low aluminum content and having an empirical formula as disclosed in US. Pat. 3,097,949 (designated as 1). This is clearly and dramatically illustrated by the fact that although the sodium and phosphorus contents of composition 1 were extracted in amounts of about 27.3% on an anhydrous disodium orthophosphate basis, the sodium and phosphorus content of compositions 2, 3 and 4 were extracted between about 37.8% and 54.4% on an anhydrous disodium orthophosphate basis.

The process cheese formulations of the instant invention, i.e., one or more cheese stocks and emulsifiers, can be prepared by mixing, preferably with the aid of heat, one or more cheese stocks and, as an emulsifier, the alkali metal aluminum phosphate compositions of the instant invention. Any cheese stock, in general, is suitable for use and can be natural cheeses, such as American, Swiss, brick, Cheddar, Limburger, Gouda, Edam, Camembert, Gruyere, blue, Muenster, and the like, as well as cheese foods and cheese spreads including the imitation cheese spreads which usually contain certain vegetable gums. Depending upon the particular cheese stocks and/or cheese stock blends employed, the alkali metal aluminum phosphate compositions can be used in amounts up to about 20% by weight and as low at 0.1% by weight of the total cheese composition, with amounts between about 1.5% to about 3% by weight being preferred. In addition, in some instances, the alkali metal aluminum phosphate compositions of the instant invention and articularly the sodium aluminum phosphate compositions can be used in conjunction with other cheese emulsifiers, such as disodium orthophosphate, trisodium orthophosphate, sodium citrates, and the like, including mixtures thereof. In particular, a preferred process cheese formulation contains between about 1.5% to about 2.5% by weight of sodium aluminum phosphate composition and about 0.5% to about 1.5% of disodium orthophosphate, trisodium orthophosphate, and sodium citrate including mixtures of these. These preferred cheese formulations have been found to be extremely good in every characteristic which 'can be reasonably expected of such cheese formulations.

In general, the cheese formulations can be prepared by admixing the cheese stocks and/or cheese stock blends with emulsifiers in such a manner as to thoroughly blend the additives. Usually heat is necessary in order to be able to sufficiently Work the cheese stocks and, in general, temperatures between about 120 F. to 200 F. are suitable. In some cases it is advantageous to incorporate the cheese emulsifier of the present invention in the cheese stock and/ or cheese stock blends while the cheese is being prepared in its curd form before drying, although, in general, it is preferred to blend the emulsifier with the cheese stock and/or cheese stock blends after the cheese has been prepared and cured to a suitable degree.

The alkali metal aluminum phosphate compositions and especially the preferred sodium aluminum phosphate compositions impart to the cheese stocks not only emulsifying properties, i.e., preventing or minimizing oil separation from the cheese stocks especially when heated, but also such advantageous properties as exhibiting no tendency to crystallize, improving the development of melt, i.e., the ability of the cheese to melt without oil separation, so that little or no curing period is required, and exhibiting the ability to raise the pH of a cheese to the desired level for process cheese formulations which is usually between about 5.5 to about 6. Equally as important, the cheese emulsifiers of the present invention exhibit, as cheese emulsifiers, other advantageous properties which are not believed to be found in conventional cheese emulsifiers, such as their ability to be used in a wide variety of cheese stocks having various ages and pHs as Well as various cheese stock blends which enables the cheese manufacturer to formulate and prepare process cheese formulations without any unnecessary processing and/or blending of the cheese stocks. In addition, the cheese emulsifiers of the present invention impart to pre-cut sliced process cheese formulations the distinct and important advantage of permitting better and easier separation of the slices which is often, in the case of such cheeses, the deciding factor in the consumers preference. In addition, the preferred sodium aluminum phosphate compositions, that is, the substantially amorphous sodium aluminum phosphate compositions are, in general, excellent cheese emulsifiers, especially from the standpoint of the highly objectionable feature of crystal formation, since these compositions are substantially amorphous and do not exhibit the tendency to form crystals even under stringent conditions of use. As can be appreciated, therefore, the process cheese formulation having incorporated therein the cheese emulsifiers of the present invention are superior cheese formulations for many and various reasons.

In the following examples, compositions of the present invention are used as cheese emulsifiers in process cheeses of various stocks. In general, process cheese formulations are prepared by adding ground cheese stock, about 364 grams, and the cheese emulsifiers, amounts as indicated in the following examples, to a mixing bowl used with a Hobart C100 mixer. The mixing bowl is equipped with a steam injection system for uniform heating of the cheese formulation. The cheese and the additives are mixed under steam injection for about 2.5 minutes and an additional period of time of about 1.0 minutes with no steam injection. The rate of steam injection is adjusted so that the final cheese temperature is about 160 F. The cheese formulation is then placed into suitable molds and allowed to cool to room temperature. In the preparation of pre-cut sliced cheese formulations, the slices are prepared by cooling the hot process cheese formulation in a suitable mold which gives the cheese the form of a /s inch thick sheet. After cooling to room temperature, the cheese formulation sheet is cut into 3.5 inch square slices, stacked and packaged. The evaluation of pre-cut slices is considered important for the evaluation of cheese emulsifiers for the following reasons:

(1) The effect of the cheese emulsifier on cheese viscosity can be tested, which can indicate the ease of handling during the slicing operation.

(2) The effect of the cheese emulsifier on the brittleness of ribbons of process cheese can be tested.

(3) The effect of the cheese emulsifier on crystal formation can be studied under more adverse and realistic conditions.

(4) The effect of the cheese emulsifier on the separation of slices can be studied.

The evaluation is based upon samples which are held at about 34 F. for about 6-30 days except for the crystal formation which is based upon samples held at 34 F. for at least about 3 weeks. All measurements except pH determination are subjective measurements made on a 0-3 scale with 0 being extremely poor and 3.0 being excellent. The separation test is conducted on pre-cut sliced samples by manually separating the slices with the rating indicating the ease of separation. The breaking characteristics of the cheese compositions are measured by bending slices of cheese and observing the type of break obtained. A straight clean break is considered good; a jagged course break or a tacky break is considered poor. The grain characteristic is observed during the break test and is a measure of the smoothness of grain. The melting characteristics are conducted on small cylinders of the cheese compositions, A inch thick and A; inch diameter, after the cylinder samples have been heated for about 10 minutes above a boiling water bath. After heating, the cylinder samples are immediately placed in a freezer for cooling and to prevent further change. The melts are then evaluated for oiling and texture. The oiling characteristic is the degree of separation of oil and is observed and reported on the basis of 0-3 scale, the higher rating indicating little or no oil separation. The texture characteristics are rated with smooth, even melts give a high rating and curdled, uneven melts given low ratings. The pH of the cheese is measured directly with a pH meter after the sample has first been warmed to about 60 C. for easier immersion of the electrodes.

The following examples are presented to illustrate the invention With parts by weight being used in the example unless otherwise indicated.

EXAMPLE I Into a suitable reaction vessel are charged about 63.9 parts of monosodium orthophosphate and about 36.1 parts of commercial sodium aluminate of approximately 46% A1 0 by Weight and a weight ratio of Na O/Al O of 0.65. Enough water is added to give a slurry concentration of about 50 percent solids. The reaction mixture is agitated and an exothermic reaction takes place, usually in a short period of time of about 15 minutes, and the reaction product is drum dried to a relatively dry, particulate composition having the following analysis on an anhydrous molar ratio basis:

Melting 8 ing a pH of 5.4; 25% medium aged cheese stock (about 8 months) having a pH of 5.5; 25% aged cheese stock (about 12 months) having a pH of 5.3.

The following table indicates the results of the tests on the cheeses for the previously described characteristics.

TABLE 3 Separation SAP, DSP, TSP, percent percent percent Mixing Cold R.T.

7 This sodium aluminum phosphate composition is incorporated as a cheese emulsifier in cheese stocks on a weight basis of the following types:

(1) Slightly aged cheese stock (about 90 days) having a pH of 5.4.

0.5 do 1.0 do 0.5 0.5 do

Sodium aluminum phosphate; DSP

=Trisodium orthophos- Na O 11.2 8.0

Disodium orthophosphate; TSP

=Crysta1s.

EXAMPLE 3 H PO basis). Enough water is added to l=No crystals; an d 2 Into a suitable reaction vessel are charged about 45.1 parts of monosodium orthophosphate, about 39.2 parts of commercial sodium aluminate as described in Example 1, and about 15.7 parts of orthophosphoric acid (on a 100% give a slurry concentration of about 50 percent solids. a The reaction mixture is agitated and an exothermic reaction takes place, the reaction product is then recovered and drum dried to a relatively dry, particulate composition having the following analysis on an anhydrous molar ratio basis:

This sodium aluminum phosphate material is incorporated as a cheese emulsifier in cheese stocks of the following types:

(1) Cheese stock blend by weight of 50% slightly aged cheese stock (about 90 days) having a pH of 5.4;

(2) Medium aged cheese stock (about 8 months) having a pH of 5.5.

Brittle- Cold R.T.

NOTE: SAP phate; Cold=45 F.; R.T.=

TABLE 2 Separation (3) Aged cheese stock (about 12 months) having a pH of 5.3.

(4) A cheese stock blend of the foregoing 3 cheeses with 50% of 1, of 2, and 25% of 3 on a weight basis.

(5) A cheese stock blend of 41.4% slightly aged cheese stocks (1-6 months) having a pH of 5.75; 20.6% slightly 2 aged cheese stock (l-6 months) having a pH of 5.60; 31.0% slightly aged cheese stock (1-6 months) having a (6) A cheese blend of 50% slightly aged cheese stock (about 2 /2 months) having a pH of 5.6; 50% slightly (7) A cheese blend of 33% slightly aged cheese stock (about 2 months) having a pH of 5.6; 67% slightly (8) A cheese blend of 67% slightly aged cheese stock (about 2 /2 months) having a pH of 5.6; 33% slightly The following table indicates the results of tests on the cheeses for the previously described characteristics.

SAP, DSP, TSP, percent percent percent Mixing pH of 5.40; 7.0% aged cheese stock (about 12 months) having a pH of 5.3.

aged cheese stock (about 2 months) having a pH of 5.2.

aged cheese stock (about 2 months) having a pH of 5.0. 35

aged cheese stock (about 2 months) having a pH of 5.0.

Cheese stock 00555055505050 5055 OTAZLZZZZZZZZZZZZLL 13331122152322llama i =Tris0dium orthophosphatc; Sl. stifi F; R.T.=75 1*.; 1=No crystals; 2=Crystals.

25 medium aged cheese stock (about 8 months) having a pH of 5.5; 25% aged cheese stock (about 12 months) having a pH of 5 .3.

(2) Cheese stock blend by weight of 33 /3% slightly aged cheese stock (about 1-6 months) having a pH of 5.4; 33 /3 slightly aged cheese stock (about 16 months) having a pH of 5.7; 33 /3% slightly aged cheese stock (about 1-6 months) having a pH of 5.3.

,( 3) Cheese stock blend by weight of 20% slightly aged cheese stock (about 2 /2 months) having a pH of 5.6; slightly aged cheese stock (about 2 months) having This sodium aluminum phosphate material is incorpo- P of rated as a cheese emulsifier in cheese stocks on a weight The following table indicates the result of the tests basis of the following blend: on the cheeses for the previously described charactcr- =Disodiun1 orthophosphate; TSP =Very good; Cold 4.6 Na O 12.9

NOTE: SAP=Sodiinn aluminum phosphate; DSP Slightly still; V. s. stitl=Very slightly stiff; V. good EXAMPLE 2 The procedure of Example 1 is repeated except that there is employed about 65.7 parts of monosodium orthophosphate and about 34.3 parts of commercial so- 50% slightly aged cheese stock (about days) hav- 75 istics.

dium aluminate as described in Example 1. The resulting product has the following composition on an anhydrous molar ratio basis:

TAB LE 4 Melting Separation Cheese SAP, DSP, TSP, Brittle- 'lex- Oil Crysstock percent percent percent Mixing Cold R.T. ness Break Grain ture 01f pI-I tals 3.0 Good 2.0 2. 5 1. 5 2.0 1.5 2. 5 2.0 5. 50 1 2.5 0.5 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 5.20 1 1 2.0 1.0 2.0 2.5 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 5.30 l 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 1.5 3.0 3.0 5.50 1 2. 2. 2. 5 2. 5 2. 5 2. 0 3.0 3.0 6.00 1 2. 0 0. 5 2. 5 2. 5 2. 5 2. 5 2. 5 3. 0 3.0 5. 50 1 2 2. 0 1. 0 2. 0 2. 5 2. 0 2. 5 2. 5 3. 0 3.0 5. 1 2.0 2.5 2.0 2.5 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 5.90 1 3. 0 S1. soft 2. 5 2. 0 2. 0 2. 0- 2. 0 2. 5 3. 0 5. 1 3 2.0 2.0 1.0 V. s. soft 2.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 3.0 3.0 1 2.0 1.0 do 2.5 1.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 3.0 3.0 5.00 1

NOTE: SAP=Sodium aluminum phosphate; DSP=Disodium orthophosphate; TSP=Trisodium orthophosphate; Cold=45 F.; R.T.=75 F.; V. s. s0ft=very slightly soft; Sl. solt=slightly soft; 1=No crystals; and 2=Crystals.

EXAMPLE 4 The procedure of Example 3 is repeated except that there is employed about 25 .0 parts of monosodium orthophosphate, about 428 parts of commercial sodium aluminate as described in Example 1, and about 32.2 parts of orthophosphoric acid (on a 100% H PO basis). The resulting product has the following compositions on an anhydrous molar ratio basis:

A1 0 5.8 N320 P 0 8.0

This sodium aluminum phosphate material is incorporated as a cheese emulsifier in cheese stocks of the following types:

(1) Cheese stock blend by weight of slightly aged resulting product has the following composition on an anhydrous molar ratio 'basis:

A1203 7.6 Na O 14.9 P205 8.0

TABLE 6 Melting Separation SAP, DSP, TSP, Brittle- Tex- Oil Cryspereent percent percent Mixing Cold R.T. ness Break Grain ture off pH tals 2.0 1.0 Good... 2.0 2.5 2.0 2.0 1.5 3.0 2.0 6.10 1 2.0 0.5 0.5 do 2.0 2.5 2.5 2.0 1.0 3.0 2.0 6.10 1

NOTE: SAP Sodium aluminum phosphate; 1) SP Disodium orthophosphate;TSP Trisodiu 1n orthoph osphate; Cold=45 F.; R.T.=

cheese stock (about days) having a pH of 5.4; 25% medium aged cheese stock (about 8 months having a pH of 5.5; 25% aged cheese stock (about 12 months) having a pH of 5 .3.

(2) Cheese stock blend by weight of 33 /3% slightly aged cheese stock (about 6 months) having a pH of 5.35; 33 /3% slightly aged cheese stock (about 6 months) having a pH of 5.1; 33 /3 slightly aged cheese stock (about 6 months) having a pH of 5.2.

(3) Cheese stock blend by weight of 33 /s% slightly aged cheese stock (about 16 months) having a pH of 5.4; 33 /3 slightly aged cheese stock (about 1-6 months) having a pH of 5.7; 33 /3% slightly aged cheese stock (about 1-6 months) having a pH of 5.3.

The following table indicates the results of the tests on the cheeses for the previously described characteristics.

F.; 1=No crystals; and 2=Crystals.

EXAMPLE 6 The procedure of Example 3 is repeated except that there is employed about 25.0 parts of monosodium orthopliosphate, about 51.5 parts of commercial sodium aluminate as described in Example 1, and about 23.5 parts of orthophosphoric acid (on a H PO basis). The resulting product has the following composition on an anhydrous molar ratio basis:

A1203 8.4 Na O 12.6 P205 8.0

This sodium aluminum phosphate material is incorporated as a cheese emulsifier in cheese stocks of the followmg types:

(1) Cheese stock blend by weight of 50% slightly TABLE 5 Melting Separation Cheese SAP, DSP, TSP, Brlttle- Tex- Oil Cryss stock percent percent percent Mixing Cold Rfl. ness Break Grain ture ofi pH tal- 2.0 1.0 V. s. solt 1.5 2.5 1.0 1.5 1.5 2.5 2.0 5.20 l 1 2.5 0. 5 Good- 1.5 1.5 1. 5 2.0 1.0 2.5 2.0 5.35 1 2.0 1.0 -..do. 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 3.0 3.0 5.40 1 2. 0 0 5 0. 5 V 5. soft 2. 0 2. 5 2. 0 1. 5 1. 5 2. 5 2. 5 5. 40 1 2 2.0 1.0 .do 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 1.5 2.5 2.5 5.70 1 3 2. 0 1. 0 Good 2. 5 2. 0 2. 5 2. 0 2. 0 2. 5 3.0 6. 00 1 NOTE: SAP=Sodium aluminum phosphate; DSP=Disodium orthophosphate; TSP=Trisodium orthophosphate; V. s. soft= Very slightly soft; V. s. stitt=Very slightly stifi; 1=No crystals; and 2=Ciystals.

EXAMPLE 5 The procedure of Example 3 is repeated except that there is employed about 45.3 parts of monosodium orthophosphate, about 47.6 parts of commercial sodium aluminate as described in Example 1, and about 7.1 parts of orthophosphoric acid (on a 100% H PO basis). The

aged cheese stock (about 6 months) having a pH of 5.35;

O 25% medium aged cheese stock (about 8 months) having 1 1 ing a pH of 5.1; 33 /3 slightly aged cheese stock (about 6 months) having a pH of 5.2.

(3) Cheese stock blend by weight of 33 /s% slightly aged cheese stock (about 1-6 months) having a pH of 5.4; 33 /3% slightly aged cheese stock (about 1-6 months) having a pH of 5.7; 33%% slightly aged cheese stock (about 1-6 months) having a pH of 5.3.

(4) Cheese stock blend by weight of 20% slightly aged cheese stock (about 2 /2months) having a pH of 5.6; 80% slightly aged cheese stock (about 2 months) having a pH of 5.0.

The following table indicates the results of the test on the cheeses for the previously described characteristics.

pared from the reaction of alkali metal phosphates and alkali metal aluminates according to the procedure described hereinabove and illustrated by the foregoing examples include potassium aluminum phosphate compositions and ammonium aluminum phosphate compositions as well as mixed sodium-potassiumand ammonium-aluminum phosphate compositions.

While a process cheese formulation in accordance with this invention need contain only a cheese stock or cheese stock blend of the classes described and, as a cheese emulsifier, an alkali metal aluminum phosphate composition, it will be appreciated that the incorporation in the formulation of additional ingredients such as flavor en- TABLE 7 Melting Separation B m ;o 1 C Cheese SAP DSP TSP r1 e- I ex- 1 rysstock percent percent percent Mixing Cold R ."l. ness Break G ram ture oil p H tals NOTE: SAP=Sodium aluminum phosphate: DSP=Disodiun orthophosphate; TSP=Trisodium orthophosphate; 8]. soft:

1 Slightly soft; V. s. stitI=Very slightly still; C0ld=45 F.; R. I.=75

EXAMPLE 7 The procedure of Example 3 is repeated except that there is employed about 3.3 parts of monosodium orthophosphate, about 56.1 parts of commercial sodium aluminate as described in Example 1, and about 40.6 parts of orthophosphoric acid (on a 100% H PO basis). The resulting product has the following composition on an anhydrous molar ratio basis:

A1203 9.2 Na O 10.3 P205 8.0

This sodium aluminum phosphate material is incorporated as a cheese emulsifier in cheese stocks of the following types:

(1) Cheese stock blend by weight of 50% slightly aged cheese stock (about 90 days) having a pH of 5.4; medium aged cheese stock (about 8 months) having a pH of 5.5; 25% aged cheese stock (about 12 months) having a pH of 5.3.

(2) Cheese stock blend by weight of 33 /s% slightly aged cheese stock (about 6 months) having a pH of 5.35; 33 /3 slightly aged cheese stock (about 6 months) having .a pH of 5.1; 33 /3 slightly aged cheese stock (about 6 months) having a pH of 5.2.

3) Cheese stock blend of 33 /3 slightly aged cheese stock (about 16 months) having a pH of 5.4; 33 /s% slightly aged cheese stock (about 1-6 months) having a pH of 5.7; 33 /3 slightly aged cheese stock (about 16 months) having a pH of 5.3.

(4) Cheese stock blend by weight of 20% slightly aged cheese stock (about 2 /2 months) having a pH of 5.6; 80% slightly aged cheese stock (about 2 months) having a pH of 5.0.

The following table indicates the results of the tests on the cheeses for the previously described characteristics.

F.; l=No crystals; and 2=Crystals.

hancing additives and the like is contemplated as being within the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An alkali metal aluminum phosphate composition having the empirical formula wherein M is alkali metal, at is a number between 5 and 30 inclusive, y is a number between 4.7 and 15 inclusive, and z is a number between 0 and 50 inclusive, said composition being further characterized by having a soluble fraction of greater than about weight percent of said composition and selected from the group consisting of dialkali metal orthophosphates, trialkali metal orthophosphates, and mixtures thereof and by the pH of a 2 weight percent aqueous slurry of said composition at about 25 C. being between 7 and 10.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein said composition is substantially amorphous.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein said alkali metal in each instance is selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, ammonium and combinations thereof.

4. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said alkali metal in each instance is sodium.

5. A composition according to claim 1, further characterized by having an insoluble alkali metal aluminum phosphate composition having the empirical formula wherein M is alkali metal, a is a number between 0.5 and 5.0 inclusive, b is a number between 0.5 and 2.4 inclusive, and c is a number between 0 and inclusive.

6. A method for preparing an alkali metal aluminum phosphate composition having the empirical formula TABLE 8 Melting Separation Cheese SAP, DSP, TSP, Brittle- Tex- Oil Crysstoek percent percent percent Mixing Cold R 'I ness Break Grain ture off pH ta 0.5 Sl.stifi 2.0 2.5 2.0 1.0 1.0 2.5 2.0 5.80 1

NOTE: SAP=Sodium aluminum phosphate; DSP=Disodium orthophosphate' TSP=Trlsodium ortho hos hate" Sl. stiff: Slightly stitl; Cold= F.; R.'I.=75 F.; 1=No crystals; and 2=crystals. p p

Other compositions of the present invention which are wherein M is alkali metal, x is a number between 5 and suitable for use as cheese emulsifiers and can be pre- 30 inclusive, y is a number between 4.7 and 15 inclusive,

and z is a number between and 50 inclusive, said composition being further characterized by having a soluble fraction of greater than about 35 weight percent of said composition and selected from the group consisting of dialkali metal orthophosphates, trialkali metal orthophosphates, and mixtures thereof and by the pH of a 2 weight percent aqueous slurry of said composition at about 25 C. being between 7 and 10, which method comprises reacting in an aqueous medium alkali metal orthophosphate materials and alkali metal aluminate in proportions to give the desired amounts of alkali metal, aluminum and phosphorus in the reaction product, and removing any excess water from said compositions to form a dry, particulate composition.

7. A substantially amorphous sodium aluminum. phosphate composition having the empirical formula wherein a is a number between 0.5 and 5.0 inclusive, b is a number between 0.5 and 2.4 inclusive and c is a number between 0 and 40 inclusive, and said composition being further characterized by the pH of a 2 weight percent aqueous slurry of said composition at about 25 C. being between 7 and 10.

8. The composition of claim 7, wherein said composition has on an anhydrous basis the following elemental oxide molar ratio analysis:

A1203 4.8 Na O 13.2 P205 8.0

9. The composition of claim 7, wherein said composition has on an anhydrous basis the following elemental oxide molar ratio analysis:

A1203 4.6 N320 P 0 8.0

10. The composition of claim 7, wherein said composi tion has on an anhydrous basis the following elemental oxide molar ratio analysis:

A1203 5.2 Na O 11.2 P205 8.0

11. A method for preparing a substantially amorphous sodium aluminum phosphate composition having the empirical formula xNa O yAl2O 8P205 ZH O wherein x is a number between 10 and 20 inclusive, y is a number between 4.7 and 10 inclusive, and z is a number between 15 and 30 inclusive, said composition being characterized by having a soluble fraction of greater than about 35 weight percent of said composition and an insoluble fraction, said soluble fraction being selected from the group consisting of disodium orthophosphate, trisodium orthophosphate, and mixtures thereof, said insoluble fraction having the empirical formula aNa O 3A1203 bP20 5 CHzO wherein a is a number between 0.5 and 5 .0 inclusive, b is a number between 0.5 and 2.4 inclusive and c is a number between 0 and 40 inclusive, and said composition being further characterized by the pH of a 2 weight percent aqueous slurry of said composition at about 25 C. being between 7 and 10, which method comprises reacting in an aqueous medium sodium orthophosphate materials and sodium aluminate in proportions to give the desired amounts of sodium, aluminum and phosphorus in the reaction product, and removing any excess water from said composition to form a dry, particulate composition.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the temperature of said aqueous reacting medium is maintained below the boiling point of said medium.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said sodium phosphate material is monosodium orthophosphate.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,097,949 7/1963 Lauck et a1 99115 3,244,535 4/1966 Lauck et a1 99-117 RICHARD D. LOVERING, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R.

7 3 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION patent 3,554 ,921 Dated January 12 1971 Invent r( g)T.P. Kichline N.E. Stahlheber and J. L. Vetter It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 9 Table 4 under heading of DSP, percent, the figure reading 2.0 should read 1.0 under the heading of TSP, percent, second to' last figure should be omitted; under Table 5 under the heading Mixing, the second to last word reading do should read "V.s. stiff".

Signed and sealed this 18th day of July 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLE'I'CHER,JR. I ROBERT GOT'ISGHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

